The first time I saw Portmarnock Beach wasn’t planned. It was one Saturday morning when my family and I visited a beach in Malahide, where I decided to take a stroll along the walking trails.
Two hours later, I found myself on another beach—this time, the sands were more fine, and the waters were calmer. It was so beautiful that we spontaneously decided to stay here for a night.
So if you’re curious to see what made us decide to stay longer, check out all the activities that you can do when you’re in this side of the town!
Portmarnock Beach: An Overview
Portmarnock Beach is found in the laidback village of Portmarnock, located in the north of Dublin. This beach is widely known for its golden stretch of sand called The Velvet Strand.
In 2022, this beach was awarded a Blue Flag which tells us that the beach continuously maintains its great water quality, safety procedures, and first aid protocols, including its environmental management.
Since this beach has a chill and peaceful vibe, it has been a popular choice for both visitors and locals of Portmarnock. Aside from swimming in the Irish Sea, you can also take advantage and walk along the 8-kilometer coast that can take you from Baldoyle to Malahide.
If you’re going here with your family, you can spend the entire day here. You can set up a little picnic area and let your kids build their sand castles.
This beach is also known for its golf courses such as the Portmarnock Golf Club, making it a great spot if you’re planning a quick trip with your friends.
How to Get to Portmarnock Beach
There are several ways for you to reach Portmarnock Beach. You can drive your own car, or reach it by public transportation such as bus, train, and taxi.
If you wish to drive your car, this beach is just a 20-minute drive from Dublin city center, making it a perfect spot for a quick road trip. From Dublin, you can head to the M1 motorway on the north side and take the Portmarnock Exit 2.
From there, you’ll see various signage that will direct you to the beach. There’s also a parking provision near the beach itself.
Meanwhile, if you want to skip the hassle of finding parking slots, especially during peak seasons, you can also ride a taxi to the beach.
For those who want to take advantage of public transport, you can ride the Dublin Area Rapid Transit. Just hop off the northbound trail to Howth from Dublin’s Connolly Station.
From there, you can get off at Portmarnock Station and just take a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Meanwhile, you can also take Bus 42 and Bus 102 which are making a stop at Portmarnock Beach. However, since the bus will have multiple stops before the beach, it might take longer than 30 minutes before you arrive at your destination.
The Best Time to Go to Portmarnock Beach
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The best time to go to this beach depends on what you want to do in the area. Nonetheless, it’s great that you’ll get to enjoy its long stretch of sandy shores, whether it’s low tide or high tide.
If you want to enjoy mild temperatures that are perfect for picnics and walks along the beach, then you should consider visiting during the summer months (June to August). And since it’s summertime, you should also expect that a lot of visitors will be visiting during this time.
However, if you prefer a smaller crowd but still want to enjoy the sea breeze, spring (March to May) is a great time to visit the beach. It’s also a perfect season if you love seeing various kinds of flowers in full bloom.
Additionally, autumn also has fewer visitors too. The temperature is still mild, so you can enjoy swimming and lounging by the beach, as you see the leaves and trees turn orange and brown.
Winter is also a good time to visit the beach if you want to have a peaceful time at the beach. Just take note that you won’t be comfortable swimming at the beach due to the colder temperatures.
Things to See and Do in Portmarnock Beach
1. Walk Along the Coastal Track to Malahide
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If you’re visiting Portmarnock Beach, might as well continue walking along the coastal track that links the beach to Malahide. The distance between towns is just 9 kilometers, allowing you to take a scenic walk for two hours.
When it comes to the terrain, you can expect to walk on a flat pedestrian lane during the first half of your walk and get onto a sandy pathway for the remaining half.
If you’re coming from Portmarnock, you can end your stroll at the beach car park. And if you need to come back to Portmarnock but don’t have enough energy for another walk, you can just go to the Dart station and take the train back to town.
While walking, you can see several spots such as Ireland’s Eye, Howth Peninsula, Lambay Island, and the Martello Tower which has been converted into a house.
2. Visit the Southern Cross Monument
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For history lovers out there, you can visit the Southern Cross Monument found by the beach, making it a convenient stop during your afternoon stroll.
This monument was built in 1999 to commemorate the starting point of the first flight of Charles Kingsford-Smith’s Southern Cross from Portmarnock to New York.
Here, you can take photos of the 8-ton limestone sphere shaped like a globe. You can also see all continents of the world, showcasing Ireland’s contribution to aviation history.
Even better, you’ll have the coastline as your main backdrop!
3. Bike at Dublin Bay Cycle Path
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If walking isn’t your thing, you can still take a scenic route by biking along the Dublin Bay Cycle Path. This cycling route directly connects the beach to the coastal cliffs and nearby sandy beaches.
From the beach, you can head to Howth where you can find cliff walks and a fishing village. Meanwhile, if you want to go to Malahide, just head to the northern side.
You’ll enjoy riding along the smooth pathways along the route. It has been known for its flat terrain, but also has challenging curves so watch out for that!
Moreover, it also has proper signage and markings, making it a friendly route for those who are not familiar with the area.
Another thing that you can do during your bike tour is to stop at little coffee shops, perfect if you need to quickly recharge.
4. Swim and Paddleboard
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Of course, a trip to this area won’t be complete without swimming. The beach has gentle waves, making it a great spot for swimmers of all levels.
If you’re bringing your kids with you, you may consider visiting during summer as lifeguards are on duty, allowing you to have an extra set of eyes in monitoring your children.
And since the waves are calm, this beach has been one of the most favored spots for paddleboarding. No need to worry about bringing your board as there are lots of rentals available in Howth and Malahide, which can arrange equipment deliveries for you.
If you need to take a shower, there are public toilets available located in the northern part of the beach.
5. Play Golf at Portmarnock Golf Club
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If you’re coming here with your friends, you can also consider playing golf at Portmarnock Golf Club. Since 1894, this golf course has hosted several tournaments such as the British Amateur Championship, and the Irish Open.
Once you’re inside, you’ll instantly feel the premium vibe because of its design with the Howth Head, Ireland’s Eye, and Irish Sea as your backdrop. Here, you can enjoy playing with an 18-hole layout with a par 72 challenge.
This course is also known for its strategic bunkers and fast greens, making it a perfect spot for golf enthusiasts who are visiting the town.
It’s also worth noting that this golf club follows a strict traditional dress code so make sure to prepare accordingly.
Where to Eat near Portmarnock Beach
O’Dwyer’s Bar and Grill
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Address: Strand Rd, Burrow, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
Contact Details: +353 1 846 4045
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
If you’re searching for a casual dining experience that offers comfort food and great booze then O’Dwyer’s Bar and Grill should be on your list.
Once you’re inside, you’ll immediately feel cozy because of its soft lighting and warm interiors.
For those of you who love live music, local Irish bands and musicians are invited to showcase their talents, making it a great spot to visit at night.
When it comes to food, the restaurant serves grill favorites such as sausages and baby back ribs. They also serve traditional Irish dishes such as seafood chowder, and fish and chips, so if it’s your first time in the area, make sure to try them out!
If you love sweets, make sure to try out Bailey’s cheesecake!
Meanwhile, you can also opt to be seated by the bar if you want to watch the bartenders craft your favorite Irish cocktails. Don’t worry, they serve food here too!
Honey Honey Cafe
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Website: http://www.honeyhoneycafe.com/
Address: Strand Rd, Burrow, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
For those who are looking for a good breakfast spot near Portmarnock Beach, then you should head to Honey Honey Cafe. Here, you can get your fix on acai bowls, chia pudding, croissants, avocado toast, and their homemade granola.
Meanwhile, some of the crowd-favorite drinks that you should try here are matcha latte on coconut milk and turmeric latte.
It’s great to know that you can take your furry pals with you as this restaurant is pet-friendly. Just make sure to keep them on a leash at all times.
When it comes to the restaurant’s ambiance, you’ll love being seated inside. Their large windows let the sunshine in, so it’s a perfect spot to catch up on work or read a book.
There’s also ample seating outside, perfect if you want to breathe in some fresh breeze.
Lali’s Restaurant
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Website: https://facebook.com/LalisPortmarnock/
Address: 467 Strand Rd, Carrickhill, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, D13 PA97
Contact Details: +353 1 846 4044
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and friendly diner near Portmarnock Beach then Lali’ Restaurant is your best bet. This restaurant also has a great beach view, so if you want to eat while you appreciate the ocean, then choose to be seated outside.
Some of the crowd-favorites you can order here are their marsala, spaghetti, and pizza. These are all freshly prepared, so be ready to wait a little longer.
You can also order some takeaway so you can enjoy it while having a little picnic by the beach!
Stay at Portmarnock Resort
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Website: https://www.portmarnock.com/
Address: Strand Rd, Burrow, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
Contact Details: +353 1 846 0611
If you’re looking for an accommodation that will give you a great view of the beach then make sure to book your stay at Portmarnock Resort.
This hotel has a sophisticated style, making it a perfect choice for couples who are on a vacation.
The pastel-colored rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to enjoy a coastal view. The room also comes with a television, Wi-Fi, and coffee- and tea-making facilities.
This resort also houses the Jameson Golf Links, perfect for those who want to swing some clubs during their stay.
And if you wish to relax even further, you can book a massage at the hotel spa.